Baxter, Dickov lose out

Paul Dickov and Jose Baxter have missed out for the npower League One manager and player-of-the-month awards for October.

Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson and young goalkeeper George Long are rewarded for their fine form as Football League sponsors npower revealed both awards are heading to Bramall Lane.

With only goal difference separating the Blades and league leaders Tranmere Rovers at the end of the month, the fans at Bramall Lane will be forgiven for beginning to anticipate a serious promotion challenge this season.

After collecting 16 points from a possible 18, Danny Wilson guided Sheffield United to second place in npower League One at the end of October.

birthday, the teenager has displayed both shot-stopping ability and maturity beyond his years in conceding just a single goal in five league appearances, and that was against Latics who drew 1-1 against the Blades to prevent them enjoying a 100-per-cent record in October.thWilson’s success this month has been built on the base of a very tight defence, which has been marshalled excellently by the prodigal Long. In the month before his 19

The player-of-the-month panel sees Emma Collins joined by Wolves legend Don Goodman, BBC Sport’s Mark Clemmit and The Football League’s Head of Communications, John Nagle.

The two awards are determined by two separate expert panels. The manager-of-the-month award is decided by former Charlton Athletic manager Alan Curbishley, Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson, League Managers Association Deputy CEO Olaf Dixon and npower sponsorship manager Emma Collins.

Speaking about Danny Wilson’s win, panel member Curbishley commented: “Sheffield United’s fantastic start to the season continues as they remain unbeaten in npower League One. October was a particularly productive month for the Blades, taking 16 points and pushing into the automatic promotion places.”